Welcome to episode 32 of The Get Down Podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest challenges in modern coaching: bridging the generational gap with our athletes. I’ll walk through why many traditional coaching frameworks just don’t resonate with today’s athletes and offer up some alternative approaches that have proven effective. We’ll dig into three major points: long-term athlete development (LTAD) models and why they’re only effective if they keep athletes coming back, the importance of fluid periodization to prevent burnout and increase buy-in, and balancing specialization with unstructured play in a way that meets both athlete and societal needs.
Whether you’re a coach, trainer, or just passionate about athletic development, this episode is packed with insights and strategies for making an impact.
Key points include:
Long-term athlete development models must focus on immediate outcomes to retain athletes and foster commitment.
Coaches should use adaptable periodization to keep training programs fresh and motivating for athletes.
Encourage both specialization and unstructured play to promote overall physical activity and enjoyment.
Provide opportunities for choice in training to enhance athlete engagement and independence.
Thank you for listening and for being a part of the community. I encourage you to share your feedback to shape future content!
See you soon!
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